Handling Employee Misconduct: Should I Start with a Memo or a Show Cause Notice?

I am working as an HR in an IT company. I want to get your valuable suggestion. Please help me out. In my company, an employee misbehaved with a senior. Should I send him a memo or a show cause notice first?

Dear Colleague,

Steps to Address Employee Misbehavior

First, obtain a written complaint from the senior regarding the factual details of the incident—date, time, place, and the exact nature of the misbehavior.

Evaluate the Severity of the Misbehavior

Ascertain whether the employee has misbehaved for the first time and evaluate the seriousness of the misbehavior. If it is minor and a first-time occurrence, simply issue a written warning.

Handling Severe Misbehavior

However, if the misbehavior is more severe, issue a show-cause notice, providing the employee with an opportunity to explain before any punitive action is taken.

Based on the employee's response, you may then proceed further.

Consider the Context of Behavioral Issues

Please bear in mind that behavioral issues are a two-way process that can trigger a chain reaction. It is crucial to determine the initiator and any provocations. It is not always the case that the employee is solely at fault; the senior may also be involved, making it a delicate situation for HR to navigate.

Regards,

Vinayak Nagarkar

HR and Employee Relations Consultant